Stuck Inside The NYFF Tunnel

Apologies for the lack of posts regarding the NYFF press screenings, which, for my money, truly began with yesterday morning's screening of Carlos Reygadas' exquisite SILENT LIGHT (let it be noted I was one of those who simply did not see much merit in BATTLE IN HEAVEN). Week one wasn't a total snoozer, with affecting work like THE DIVING BELL AND THE BUTTERFLY and MARRIED LIFE, yet I still can't shake the feeling that I haven't been at screenings for the New York Film Festival. It feels like a preview of Cinemax's fall lineup. Which isn't an outright disrespect. It's just a bit of a surprise. But I'm readjusting, and after SILENT LIGHT and tonight's screening of THE FLIGHT OF THE RED BALLOON, I think we're just about back on track. Tomorrow morning brings us 4 MONTHS, 3 WEEKS AND 2 DAYS which might very well be my most anticipated film of the entire festival. And the rest of the week is just as promising, so stay tuned for more thorough takes on every film.

One quick note, however. After only about four minutes of the new Eric Rohmer film, THE ROMANCE OF ASTREE AND CELADON, I had already declared it the runaway winner of this year's "Gardens In Autumn Award" (i.e., "How Did This Film Get Into The New York Film Festival???"). But then came Brian De Palma's REDACTED this morning, and I think we've got a battle on our hands, folks. Rohmer's film is harmless, and actually works as some sort of TROLL 2-like abomination, but REDACTED is outright offensive and dangerous. More to come on both of these horrific works.

More to come on lots of things, actually, though I'm waiting for this latest mood swing to pass so I don't scare the world away. Suffice to say, I'm ready to retire from this whole game and sink into a cubicle for the rest of my life. Know anybody that's hiring?